many are forced to marry and convert to islam. >> this is very sensitive issue for us. and this has wounded our hearts. >> reporter: the pope says western human rights organizations can raise awareness and bring pressure, but the matter must be addressed by egyptians. suffering is nothing new to egyptian christians. they faced waves of persecution since the first century. more recently, nearly 100 coptic orthodox christians have been killed in egypt since the revolution started two years ago. that's more than the previous 10 years combined. theodore insists the spilling of blood strengthens the church. >> through the blood, the church will be a live. it will be strong. it will be effective. in their society. >> reporter: the rise of the muslim brotherhood has actually helped foster greater church unity. >> we have seen some large inner denominational prayer services of late. how do you feel about those, and what do you think is going to happen in the future? more of the same? >> i hope that they, that all of the christians, are one. this is my dream. and also this is wh